Australia captain Steve Smith confirmed his team for Friday’s opening Ashes Test, signaling readiness despite ongoing distractions. The squad announcement was quickly overshadowed by Smith’s sharp rebuttal of former England spinner Monty Panesar’s provocative remarks about the 2018 sandpaper ball-tampering scandal.
Panesar encouraged England’s players to psychologically unsettle Smith by questioning his integrity and captaincy, suggesting the UK media should amplify this pressure. Smith dismissed these tactics as “not really bother[ing]” him, but unexpectedly retaliated by ridiculing Panesar’s poor performance on the 2019 TV quiz show Mastermind.
Smith mocked Panesar’s lack of basic knowledge, citing errors such as thinking Athens is in Germany and America is a city. “Anyone that believes that Athens is in Germany … that’s a start,” Smith said during the press conference. His sarcastic tone belied his claim to remain unfazed by Panesar’s gambit.
Focusing on the team, Smith revealed a strong Australian lineup despite the absence of key pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Debutants Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett earned selection, reflecting fresh options in the bowling and batting units. Cameron Green shifted to his preferred No 6 batting position.
Marnus Labuschagne returns at No 3 following an impressive domestic season, replacing Beau Webster. Smith emphasized Labuschagne’s importance: “When he’s batting at his best at No 3, it makes us a very, very good cricket side.”
On tactics, Smith hinted his likely preference to bat first if winning the toss, a traditional approach he has taken in 17 of 19 Tests as captain. He remained non-committal on the choice of new-ball partner for Mitchell Starc, indicating a final decision would be made close to the game.
Meanwhile, England’s squad is expected to be finalized after their Thursday training session. Captain Ben Stokes acknowledged England’s historically poor Ashes record in Australia but vowed to change their fortunes. “We’ve got the opportunity here … to write our own history,” he said, signaling England’s determination to return home as Ashes winners.
Australia’s confirmed XI for the first Test against England is:
1. Jake Weatherald
2. Usman Khawaja
3. Marnus Labuschagne
4. Steve Smith (c)
5. Travis Head
6. Cameron Green
7. Alex Carey (wk)
8. Mitchell Starc
9. Nathan Lyon
10. Scott Boland
11. Brendan Doggett
Smith and his team appear ready to counter England’s challenge on home soil, while the off-field distractions add emotional intensity to one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.
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